Toledo, World Heritage Site

in #travel • 7 years ago (edited)

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I had the opportunity to visit Toledo (Spain), a medieval city that has been cataloged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site because of its cultural and historical importance. During our tour, a guide told us that it is also known as "Imperial City" because it was the headquarters of the court of Charles I and also as "the city of the three cultures", because it was populated for centuries by Christians , Jews and Muslims.

How to get?

If you are in Madrid, you can take a tour organized by travel agencies, but if you prefer, you can go by bus. The buses to Toledo leave from Madrid, whose station is located in the Plaza Elíptica. You can access it easily by metro lines 6 and 11. It should be noted that through GoEuro, where you can check the route and if you prefer, you can also check the tickets and receive them by email.
Upon arrival you will be surprised by the height of the village (approximately 100 meters above the river), we do not realize that there are escalators that facilitate access to the town, so we had to walk up, which was not bad, because, while walking, we could appreciate the cultural range that houses this picturesque place.

The Puerta del Sol, Santa María de Toledo Cathedral.
Own source.

What should I visit if I go to Toledo?

Its beautiful architecture of Gothic style dates from the 13th century, its streets are narrow and steep, so you must have a very good physical consistency or eager to get inside to know this wonderful medieval village full of history. Among the historical places of greatest remembrance are:

  • Santa María de Toledo Cathedral: This church was built by the Arab culture and dates back to the 12th century.

  • Puerta de Bisagra: It is a monumental entrance located in the walls of the city, which will impact you for its Roman style.

  • Puerta del Sol: which has an Arabic style and was built to give access to the walled city. It is built in stone, ashlar masonry and masonry. It receives its name from a relief on the side of the walls, where among other figures a sun appears.

  • Cristo de la Luz Mosque: It is one of the oldest mosques in Spain.

  • Plaza del Ayuntamiento: It is located in the historic center of the city, which concentrates the symbols of administrative and ecclesiastical powers.

  • Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes: It was built in the time of the Catholic Monarchs, at the end of the 15th century with Gothic-Elizabethan architectural style.

  • Viewpoints of the Tajo River: Leaving the city and taking the road you will see spectacular panoramic views of the city, the bridges and the Tajo River.

From right to left, architecture of the city; View of the Tajo River.
Own source.

We were very struck by the fact that Don Quixote and Sancho Panza are the idols of this place, there are monuments and in every business there are figures selling alluding to this novel by Cervantes; As they explained to us, this is due to the adventures of Don Quixote de la Mancha for this city. In the souvenir shops you can find pieces made of iron, because the Toledanos are specialists in transforming this mineral into wonderful works of art.

Entrance to Alfonso VI Hotel, souvenir shops and a village street.
Own source.

Recomendations

  • Make a list of the places to visit so you can build your route and get to know all the cultural attractions of Toledo.

  • If you go in summer, it is advisable to wear comfortable and fresh clothes, as well as sunscreen; as well as enough hydration.

  • Remember that there is an escalator, in case you do not want to or can not walk up.

  • Do not forget to taste the typical dishes and delicacies that Toledo offers: Marzipan, Carcamusas and the delicious Cochinillo.

  • I hope that Toledo has captivated you, as well as me and that you can visit it to know its attractions and its impressive historical content.

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I hope you liked this charming medieval city

that holds many mysteries and stories

We will keep in touch!

#tourism #life #english #culture
7 years ago in #travel by
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